Syrian troops recapture Palmyra

Palmyra: Syrian troops recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from the Islamic State group yesterday and pledged to build on the win with an advance against other jihadist strongholds.

The army said pro-government forces had cleared IS fighters from the UNESCO world heritage site, where the jihadists sparked a global outcry with the systematic destruction of treasured monuments.

"Palmyra will be the central base to broaden operations... against Daesh in numerous areas, primarily Deir Ezzor and Raqa," the armed forces said.